Wing Chun 101 - Basic Overview of the System

Akorn — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:06:19 -0000

As an individual who studies and practices Wing Chun, I feel the need to provide information about this style, especially its fight effectiveness. I have read posts from some who question its usage in today's fighting arena and who believe they understand it and can "break it down". Some may have taken a few classes. WC is a frustrating means of self-preservation. Learning it challenges how you see yourself and combat/fighting in general. If you can't approach WC with an open mind you will never understand its true essence.

Like most Chinese martial art styles and systems, who you learn from is very important. Unlike other TMA styles that have standardized their techniques and forms, CMA has not for the most part. You could learn three different variations on Wing Chun's first form from three different teachers who trace their lineages back to Yip Man. This has caused confusion and resentment within WC community. Yip Man never named a successor. I will not go into to detail why because thats best left for another post.

WC is a conceptual art. It's based on set principles one must understand for success. Even if you learn all the forms you still wouldn't know how to use its techniques properly. Each form is like the English alphabet; you must combine two or more elements or movements from the form to create a technique. Next you must practice drills (two man, circle drills) to learn how to use that particular technique until its a reaction. If you have to think about it, it's too late. Chi sao is a training exercise. IT IS NOT FIGHTING. There's a saying, "no one is going to chi sao with you in a fight."

WC is based around a centerline theory. This is the line that splits your body in half. If you control the center, you control the person and the fight. You must protect your centerline at all cost. Also, we don't block, but cover an area. We do our offense and defense at the same time.

Now, how would a Wing Chun fighter do in the octagon? That depends on the individual. If they understand BJJ and other grapplers' intentions, then they can put up a good takedown defense. WC does have ways to deal with an opponent who wants to take you down. A WC fighter could pose problems with a unique approach utilizing jabs, front kicks, and elbows in the stand-up. "Dirty boxing" would be in WC range and I am confident our trapping skills would be extremely useful.

Unfortunately, like all styles and systems if your teacher doesn't know how to teach you how to "fight" (closing the distance, for example), all of your training will be useless. It is true many practice WC for years not knowing they can't fight. They can be successful against inferior fighters, but eventually a good fighter will take them out. WC students train with the belief someone is always bigger, stronger, and faster than you. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

CMA's teaching style leaves little to be desired. Bruce Lee created Jeet Kune Do to make up for not learning how to properly use WC. Mostly because Yip Man wouldn't show him. Once again a story for another post. Bruce Lee was a "student" of Yip Man's, not a disciple. Yip Man had many students but few disciples.This point is very important. Only disciples truly learned how to properly use WC. Some students who claim Yip Man as their teacher actually learned from an older kung fu brother.

Like all TMA's you must understand the system/style to unlock the techniques. Sadly, many in CMA no longer practice their respective styles for combat; they practice for health, hobby, or for show. Some CMA teachers mis-represent themselves to the detriment of their students. You must do your research before joining a school. There are no superior systems, only superior fighters.

SB Nation User Blog: Akorn

Wing Chun 101 - Basic Overview of the System